THE EFFECT OF MARITAL COUNSELING ON MARITAL SATISFACTION OF PARENTS OF MENTAL RETARDED CHILDREN

Parents of mental retarded children have many problems in maintenance,
training and education of their children. These problems have negative impact on parent’s mental
health and marital satisfaction. Considering the fact that these families need help to overcome their
problems, this study was conducted to investigate the impact of marital counseling on marital
satisfaction of parents with mental retarded children.
Materials & Methods: the present research is an experimental study (pre-test and post test) with a
control group, 30 couples with mental retarded children in two experimental and control groups were
studied in two stages (before and 45 days after marital counseling program) using ENRICH marital
satisfaction questionnaire. SPSS software and T-test statistical test were employed to data analysis.
Result: based on marital satisfaction scale and its four dimensions (idealistic distortion, marital
satisfaction, communication and conflict resolution), trained parents had a more favorable situation,
compared with untrained parents.
Conclusion: consequently, it is necessary to design and implement special training courses for
parents with mental retarded children, in order to cope with psychological and marital conflict by the
relevant organizations